File photoAmanda Lightle of Mt Morris reads at the Bluebell Beach in Flint in this Flint Journal file photo.

GENESEE COUNTY, MI – If you're thinking about heading to the
beach this Labor Day weekend, don't expect to visit Mott Lake's Bluebell Beach.

The Genesee County Health Department is advising against
swimming at Bluebell Beach due to high E. coli bacteria levels.

Last week the health department lifted its advisory for Byram
Lake's Clover Beach, but kept its ban for Bluebell Beach because of
the elevated E. coli levels.

But the health department did give the OK for other beaches
in the county.

All other monitored points – Byram Lake's Clover Beach,
Hasler Lake Campground, Holloway-Buttercup Beach Myers Lake and Silver Lake
Beach –in the county are in compliance with state guidelines for bacterial
concentrations at bathing beaches.

Exposure to any recreational water can be a potential health
risk. Gastrointestinal and dermatological illnesses have been associated with
recreational water exposure.

Rain and subsequent runoff can dramatically increase E. coli
bacteria levels in lakes and other surface waters. Therefore, the Genesee
County Health Department is advising that all beach patrons exercise due
caution with total body contact in area surface waters after rain events.

Dana DeFever can be reached at 810-429-3919 or
ddefever@mlive.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @DanaDeFever or
subscribe to her on Facebook.